The Neles ValvGuard VG9000 is a smart safety solenoid valve with SIL 3 safety integrity level. It supports automatic partial stroke testing (PST) and predictive maintenance diagnostics, provides a venting capacity of up to 700 Nm³/h, and carries Ex d and Ex ia explosion-proof certifications. It is designed for control loops of emergency shutdown valves, vent valves, and emergency isolation valves in safety instrumented systems, enabling online testing and safety action control without interrupting the operation of continuously running plants.
Neles ValvGuard VG9000 - Intelligent Safety Solenoid Valve
Neles
VG9000 Smart Safety Solenoid Valve | Neles
Product code: VG9000
SIL 3 smart safety solenoid valve with automatic partial stroke testing and predictive maintenance diagnostics, designed for emergency shutdown valve and vent valve control loops.
- Category
- Valve Controllers
- Operating temperature range
- -40 to +85 °C
- Safety integrity level
- SIL 3 (per IEC 61508)
Specifications
- Safety integrity level
- SIL 3 (per IEC 61508)
- Partial stroke testing
- Automatic partial stroke testing (PST) supported
- Power supply
- VG9000H and VG9PST: loop powered, 4–20 mA; or 24 VDC via RCI unit; VG9000F: FOUNDATION fieldbus + 24 VDC
- Communication protocol
- HART (VG9000H) or FOUNDATION fieldbus (VG9000F)
- Operating temperature range
- -40 to +85 °C
- Maximum venting capacity
- 700 Nm³/h (Cv 6.4)
- Materials
- Anodized aluminum or stainless steel
- Hazardous area certifications
- Ex d, Ex ia
Application scenarios
Online partial stroke testing of emergency shutdown valves in continuously running plants
For emergency shutdown valve control loops in continuously operating process plants. The product supports automatic partial stroke testing and diagnostics, allowing the movement status of the valve and actuator to be checked without interrupting normal process operation, and supports predictive maintenance.
Safety action control of emergency isolation valves in process plants
For emergency shutdown valve or emergency isolation valve control loops in process plants, executing predefined safety actions during interlock or emergency conditions. Designed for emergency shutdown valve applications, the product has a SIL 3 safety integrity level and supports partial stroke testing and diagnostics.
Vent valve safety control systems
For vent valve control systems, combining safety action control with automatic partial stroke testing and diagnostics. The product is explicitly intended for vent valve applications, with a maximum venting capacity of 700 Nm³/h.
Critical valve diagnostics and predictive maintenance in safety instrumented systems
For safety instrumented systems using HART or FOUNDATION fieldbus communication, performing partial stroke testing and diagnostics on critical emergency shutdown valves and using the resulting status information for predictive maintenance. VG9000H supports HART, and VG9000F supports FOUNDATION fieldbus.
Safety valve control in hazardous areas
For safety valve control positions with explosion-proof requirements. The product carries Ex d and Ex ia hazardous area certifications, supports an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C, and is available in anodized aluminum or stainless steel versions.
Selection points
SIL 3 safety level and automatic partial stroke testing
The product complies with IEC 61508 SIL 3 safety integrity level and supports automatic partial stroke testing, suitable for safety function verification and diagnostics of emergency shutdown valves and vent valves.
Maximum venting capacity
The product offers a maximum venting capacity of 700 Nm³/h with a Cv of 6.4. During selection, match it with the pneumatic actuator, piping conditions, and target stroking time.
Communication protocol and power supply options
VG9000H and VG9PST support HART communication with 4–20 mA loop power, or 24 VDC via an RCI unit; VG9000F supports FOUNDATION fieldbus communication and is powered by 24 VDC.
Operating environment and hazardous area suitability
The product operates in a temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C, is available in anodized aluminum or stainless steel, and carries Ex d and Ex ia hazardous area certifications.
Installation notes
Configure the Power Supply and Communication Interfaces for the Applicable Model
VG9000H and VG9PST use 4–20 mA loop power or 24 VDC power via an RCI unit, while VG9000F uses FOUNDATION fieldbus with 24 VDC power. Configure the appropriate interfaces according to the actual model during installation.
Install Within the Rated Operating Temperature Range
The ambient temperature at the installation site must remain within the operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C.
FAQ
Which valve safety loops is Neles ValvGuard VG9000 suitable for?
Neles ValvGuard VG9000 is suitable for emergency shutdown services involving emergency shutdown valves and vent valves. Its automatic partial stroke testing function can be used to verify the actuation capability of ESD valves, while diagnostic data supports safe and reliable operation.
How does VG9000 support predictive maintenance?
VG9000 uses automatic partial stroke testing (PST) and other diagnostic data to support valve condition assessment. Maintenance personnel can use this information to schedule predictive maintenance, helping maintain safety loop availability while reducing unnecessary maintenance work.
What are the differences between VG9000H, VG9PST, and VG9000F in terms of power supply and communication?
VG9000H and VG9PST use 4–20 mA loop power and can also use 24 VDC via an RCI unit; VG9000F uses FOUNDATION fieldbus with 24 VDC power. For communication, VG9000H supports HART, while VG9000F supports FOUNDATION fieldbus. The specific configuration must be confirmed based on the control system and actual application conditions.
Why does VG9PST need to be used with an external solenoid valve?
Using VG9PST with an external solenoid valve helps prevent spurious trips. This configuration is suitable for emergency shutdown valve applications that require partial stroke testing while minimizing the risk of unplanned shutdowns.
What conditions should be considered when selecting VG9000 for offshore or hazardous-area applications?
VG9000 is available in anodized aluminum or stainless steel, with the stainless steel version suitable for offshore applications. It supports an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C and offers Ex d and Ex ia hazardous-area certification options. It complies with IEC 61508 and is certified to SIL 3. The specific model, material, and hazardous-area configuration must be confirmed based on the installation environment and application conditions.